Downspout Extension Ground Support

ABSTRACT

The Downspout Extension Ground Support supports a downspout extension at grade level. In instances where downspouts need to be extended from a structure, the Downspout Extension Ground Support provides support and stability to maintain the correct pitch for drainage to flow through the downspout extension as designed. Without support under the downspout extension it will tend to sag, disrupting the pitch which in turn impedes proper drainage flow; and in some cases causes backflow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

5,573,209 November 1996 Lindquist 7,624,541 December 1990 Gentry 7,736,096 June 2010 Janesky 5,735,304 April 1998 Chumley 7,895,793 March 2011 Yates 7,007,429 March 2006 Kim 3,966,121 June 1976 Littman 7,017,614 March 2006 Handley 6,041,825 March 2000 Smith, et al 5,915,735 June 1999 Noble 5,813,701 September 1998 Noble 5,375,891 December 1994 Sicotte, et al.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gutter systems often are attached to buildings to collect and carry away free-flowing precipitation, such as rainwater, from all or a portion of a building. Gutter systems typically include gutters, or gutter assemblies, and downspouts. Gutter assemblies are commonly attached along the edge of a building's roof such that precipitation, including rainwater, flows off of the roof and collects in the gutters. The gutters collect the precipitation into downspouts, which deposit the water to a location away from the building's foundation. Thus, a free-flowing gutter system reduces or prevents the accumulation of precipitation on the building's roof, or around the building's foundation.

In instances where downspouts need to be extended away from the structure, a support mechanism for the downspout extension is required to provide stability and ensure proper drainage. Lack of proper support and stability of downspout extensions can lead to damaged downspouts and improper drainage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When a downspout is extended on ground, it needs to be supported and pitched correctly to ensure proper water flow. Without proper support, the weight of the water will pull down on the downspout extension, causing a change in the pitch of the downspout extension which can impede water flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Drawing 1 depicts on overall view of the Downspout Extension Ground Support which is pushed or driven into the ground to provide support and secure the downspout extension in place.

Drawing 2 shows a close-up view of where the downspout extension sits on top of the horizontal portion of the ground support stake. Vertical arms on each side of the stake hold the downspout extension in place and prevent movement side to side. Inward pointing protrusions at the top of each vertical arm prevent the downspout extension from lifting up.

Drawing 3 is a close up view of a Downspout Extension Ground Support with dimensions that will accommodate a standard 3″×4″ downspout extension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Downspout Extension Ground Support supports a downspout extension and holds it in place to enhance stability and maintain the original pitch set by installer.

Although the Downspout Extension Ground Support can be made from a variety of materials that can be molded, shaped, cut, formed, etc into the shape depicted in Drawing 1, the preferred embodiment is UV Resistant High Impact ABS Plastic.

The best mode contemplated as shown in Drawing 1, is UV Resistant High Impact ABS Plastic injection molded to form a generally U-shaped stake with a pointed tip that is tapered outward to the support arms to allow for easy penetration and provide stability. The vertical support arms shown in Drawing 2 hold the downspout extension in place and prevent movement side to side. While inward pointing protrusions at the top of each vertical arm prevent the downspout extension from lifting up.

Dimensions of the Downspout Extension Ground Support can be customized to secure in place any size downspout extension or draining device. Although drawing 3 depicts the dimensions that will accommodate a standard 3″×4″ downspout extension inserted with a 4″ side down; the width, height, shape and protrusions of the support area are determined by the drainage mechanism chosen.

In instances where downspouts need to be extended from a structure, the Downspout Extension Ground Support provides support and stability to maintain the correct pitch for drainage to flow through the downspout extension as designed. Without support under the downspout extension it will tend to sag, disrupting the pitch which in turn impedes proper drainage flow; and in some cases causes backflow.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace this and all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A generally U-Shaped stake driven into the ground that supports and maintains the original pitch of a downspout extension.
 2. The device described in claim 1 is driven into the ground to the desired level.
 3. A downspout extension is placed in the U-Shaped support described in claim
 1. 4. Additional devices as described in claim 1 are driven into the ground as described in claim 2 at appropriate distances away from the structure and at depths to achieve the desired pitch.
 5. The Downspout Extension Ground Support described in claim 1 provides support and stability to maintain the correct pitch for drainage to flow through the downspout extension as designed. 